Can’t get enough caffeine? Think beyond your morning mug, and add coffee into your cooking for a robust, earthy flavor that works in everything from meat marinades to sweet syrups. And this isn’t just a way to get that smoky flavor into foods; it's also a great way to use up extra, making sure you enjoy every last drop of your java.

Add coffee to savory meat dishes

Add flavor fast to a roast meat prep by using that coffee in your marinade. (It also helps tenderize the meat.) You can also add it to the braising liquid for beef short ribs; as the liquid cooks down, the coffee caramelizes, adding a delicious bittersweet dimension to the dish. We also like to stir a little coffee into our barbecue sauce for grilled chicken, or add a bit to a Texas beef chili to round out the flavor.

Use coffee as a Spice Rub

If you brew coffee at home, you know that you always have just a bit left over. Rather than toss it into the trash, add it into your spice shelf. This combo of ground coffee, salt, and paprika will add instant buzz into your dishes. Use it to make spice-crusted pork. You can even give burgers the steak treatment and rub them in coffee grounds and spices before grilling. Or combine with cocoa for this mocha-like spice-coated rack of lamb. You can also pull off this trick with instant espresso powder, too, adding it to braised brisket to help create that crispy, caramelized crust.

Infuse your desserts with coffee

If you love the flavor of coffee in desserts, we strongly suggest picking up a bottle of instant espresso powder. Unlike ground coffee, it dissolves completely in hot water, eliminating any risk of grittiness you don't want in most baked goods. Just keep in mind that it packs a powerful punch, so use it accordingly. Adding a small amount will give a nice, rich undertone to your recipe, while a few tablespoons will really bring the zing. Add it into brownies for a mocha approach, mix it into coffee cake, freeze it with some sugar for an easy granita, or reduce it with sugar and cream to create a rich glaze.